Wildlife photographer and big cat specialist Steve Winter has been a photographer for National Geographic for over two decades, and has been named BBC Wildlife Photographer of the Year and BBC Wildlife Photojournalist of the Year. Growing up in rural Indiana, he was given his first camera by his father on his seventh birthday, and in 1991 he realized his ambition of becoming a photojournalist for National Geographic.

Since then, Steve has been stalked by jaguars in Brazil, trapped in quicksand in the world’s largest tiger reserve, and charged by a grizzly bear in Siberia.

-Steve's Projects-

He has slept in a tent for six months in -40˚C temperatures while tracking snow leopards and visited remote villages where residents have never seen a camera before. He now gives lectures across the world on wildlife photography and conservation, and has appeared on CBS Nightly News, BBC, CNN and other media outlets. His photography book, Tigers Forever: Saving the World’s Most Endangered Cat, was published in 2013. Steve has also filmed numerous shows for NatGeo and NatGeo Wild, including Mission Critical – Saving the Leopard.

Steve is incredibly committed to big cats and wildlife conservation in general, and feels that he has a great responsibility to get people excited about both the natural world and its fascinating people and cultures. Above all, he wants to give people a front row seat to the action, making them part of the team alongside the photographer, writer and filmmakers.

Battling India's Illegal Tiger Trade

Produced by Steve Winter and Sharon Guynup for National Geographic's Cat Watch Blog. The overwhelming demand for tiger parts on the Asian market means India's tigers face constant peril from poachers. Conservationist Belinda Wright and her team at the Wildlife Protection Society of India are working to save tigers by helping enforcement authorities track down and arrest suspected poachers

"I have always believed that patience is one of the most important qualities a wildlife photographer can possess. It takes time to truly understand and connect with the animals we photograph, and that connection is what ultimately allows us to capture their true essence."

"In a world where so many species are under threat, it is more important than ever for wildlife photographers to use their skills and talents to inspire people to take action and protect the natural world."